Slotted Metallic Bracket for Subsea Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subsea equipment is prone to vibration damage due to fluid-induced vibrations, which can lead to failure of components like bolts and welds, and existing elastomeric dampeners are unsuitable for underwater environments.
Innovation Solution
A metallic anti-vibration bracket with an array of slots is used to isolate components from vibrations by dissipating energy through flexible slots, reducing the transmission of vibrational forces to sensitive equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastomeric vibration dampeners are used, then vibration damping is achieved, but the material dissolves in seawater over time making it unsuitable for subsea applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from elastomeric to metallic (stainless steel or aluminium alloy), transforming the dampener from a soft compliant material to a rigid structure with slots. This material substitution resolves the dissolution issue while maintaining vibration damping capability through a different mechanism (slots allowing controlled movement and energy dissipation).
Solution Approach 2:
The metallic dampener is segmented into multiple sections by incorporating slots that divide the continuous metal structure. These slots allow the metal to flex and deform under vibration, enabling energy dissipation similar to elastomeric materials but without the dissolution problem. The slots create independent movement zones within the rigid metal structure.
2Strength
If a rigid bracket is used to mount components, then structural strength is maintained, but vibration transmission increases causing damage to bolts and welds
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid bracket is segmented by introducing slots that divide the continuous metal structure into sections. These slots allow controlled deformation and flexing under vibration loads, enabling the bracket to dissipate vibrational energy while maintaining overall structural integrity. The slots create compliance zones within the rigid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The metallic dampener with slots functions as a flexible structure, where the slots allow the metal to deform and flex under vibration. This flexibility enables energy dissipation through controlled deformation, reducing vibration transmission to mounted components while the metal provides the necessary structural strength.
3Reliability
If slots are added to the anti-vibration bracket, then vibration damping is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket design uses slots to segment the continuous metal structure, creating vibration damping through controlled flexing. While this adds design complexity, the slots can be manufactured using standard processes like CNC machining or laser cutting, making the implementation feasible without requiring complex manufacturing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the structural parameters by introducing slots with specific dimensions and patterns. By optimizing slot geometry (width, length, spacing, curvature), the vibration damping performance can be tuned. The aspect ratio of slots (2-20) and their angular orientation (-45° to +45°) are controlled parameters that balance damping effectiveness with manufacturability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The anti-vibration bracket effectively dampens vibrations, enhancing the service life and reliability of subsea components by isolating them from direct vibrational forces, thereby protecting sensitive equipment from damage.
Implementation Method 1
In use the first component is caused to vibrate at least in a radial direction relative to the axis
Implementation Method 2
the anti-vibration bracket effectively dampens vibrations, enhancing the service life and reliability of subsea components
Data Source
AI summary
A subsea equipment assembly includes a first component having an axis, a second component, and an anti-vibration bracket. The anti-vibration bracket is attached to the first component and the second component. In use the first component is caused to vibrate at least in a radial direction relative to the axis. The anti-vibration bracket includes a plate portion. The plate portion extends at least radially away from the first component and includes an attachment region located a radial distance away from the first component, the second component is attached to the attachment region. The anti-vibration bracket includes an array of slots, at least some of the slots of the array of slots are located between the first component and the attachment region.